KALAMAZOO — A Paw Paw man who smoked marijuana before driving and getting into a crash that killed his 19-year-old passenger was sentenced Monday to one year in jail.

Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Alexander C. Lipsey said he “wrestled” with an appropriate sentence for Ronald Peter Valkema Jr., 21.

Valkema was driving on Stadium Drive in Oshtemo Township on Feb. 22 when he crossed the centerline and collided with another vehicle. His passenger, Ashley Roberts, of Paw Paw, was killed.

Valkema pleaded no contest Aug. 9 to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Police said Valkema had smoked marijuana before driving.

On Monday, Valkema said he suffered a brain injury in the crash and had no memory of it.In addition to jail time, Lipsey ordered Valkema to spend five years on probation and to pay $13,711 in victim restitution. The judge also ordered him to take part any substance abuse counseling ordered by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

The maximum penalty for the charge is 15 years in prison and a fine of $2,500 to $10,000.